Gusmão leaves for Manila ahead of 49th ASEAN Summit
The November 15–17 meetings will cover regional integration and digital cooperation, with Timor-Leste attending as ASEAN’s 11th member.
Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão left for Manila on November 13 to take part in the 49th ASEAN Summit and associated meetings, scheduled for November 15 to 17. Leaders will discuss the region’s economic, political and security priorities.
The Philippines, which holds the ASEAN chairmanship for 2026, will host leaders from all 11 member countries, dialogue partners and international organisations. Expected topics include closer economic integration, digital transformation, energy and food security.
The programme includes a presentation of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). The agreement aims to connect the region’s digital economies more closely and make cross-border economic activity easier. Updated ASEAN emblems and flags reflecting Timor-Leste’s membership will also be shown.
Gusmão is due to join the summit’s plenary and retreat on November 15, alongside meetings with parliamentary, youth and business representatives. Talks involving China, the Republic of Korea, Australia and the United Nations are scheduled for November 16.
His November 17 schedule includes ASEAN Plus Three, meetings with Japan and India, the Asia Zero Emission Community leaders’ gathering and the 21st East Asia Summit.
Timor-Leste became ASEAN’s 11th full member in October 2025 and is preparing to chair the bloc in 2029. The Manila meetings will end with the Philippines handing the chairmanship to Singapore for 2027.
